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On October 2, 1968, President Johnson signed the National Trails System Act, recognizing the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails as the first two national scenic trails. Since then, nine other national scenic trails, 19 historic trails, and hundreds of national recreation trails have been designated across the county.

As the caretakers of a 28 mile stretch of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) that crosses through the park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is celebrating the 50th anniversary of this historic act in 2018.

Travel 28 miles of the AT in 1.26 minutes and discover some of the moments of wonder to be found along the trail.

*Accessibility*CC not available: audio is music only.Audio-described transcript below:

Every summer thousands of visitors take a journey down the Middle Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, a 40 mile stretch of the Delaware River that courses through the heart of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

On October 2, 1968, President Johnson signed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, preserving "...rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values."

This historic act led to the protection of the Middle Delaware River in 1978.

As the caretakers of the river, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is celebrating the 50th anniversary of this historic act in 2018.